I don't have a newer model 190 but I do have a 95 with a slot and love it. I have skied the same boat and newer boats (with more HP) with 1:1 and I feel there is a difference in the pull and hole shot with the gear reduction trans. I am Kicking tires as well for a new tug and will be buying a slot again. Good luck with your future purchase Im sure what ever you buy you will be satisfied!

2005 was the first year with throttle by wire if that's important to you. 2006 had a rudder upgrade. 2003 was the first year that the hooked hull was standard on all production 190/197. Powerslot (gear reduction) is always an improvement, but not absolutely necessary. All else being equal, I would take the boat with gear reduction.

MCX seems to be pretty reliable, but they have had quite a few issues with the fuel pumps burning up. Consumption is probably about average.

I would recommend PowerSlot in a 190/197 as well. I regularly ski behind a friend’s 05 197 with 310 RTP ‘aka Predator’ 1:1 and it’s a dog. We ski on a small public lake, so there is room to get up to speed for the course. But when/if I get an 01+ 190/197 it will defiantly have a larger motor and PowerSlot. One advantage of the LQ9 the closed cooling for spring/fall skiing when temps might dip below freezing. Good luck in your search.

I am a more power more torque... - you'll never be disappointed with more horsepower... VTJC - really a predator was dog on a 197? What don't you like about it... doesn't get you out of the water on deep water start fast enough? I have a 95 - 1:1 - 275hp on label - and it's a bat out of hell... just curious...was a prop changed?

__________________...A bad day water skiing still beats a good day at work...1995 Pro Star 205....

I am a more power more torque... - you'll never be disappointed with more horsepower... VTJC - really a predator was dog on a 197? What don't you like about it... doesn't get you out of the water on deep water start fast enough? I have a 95 - 1:1 - 275hp on label - and it's a bat out of hell... just curious...was a prop changed?

Much more wetted surface on this era of 190/197. Need more power to do the same thing your 275 hp motor does happily.

Mikkeg205 ,Yes, you read that correctly a 190/197 with 310 hp and 1:1 trans is a dog. In my opinion they are underpowered for what should be a sporty boat. I had the same drivetrain in my 99 SportStar(95-97 ProStar Hull) and it was a rocket. The newer boats are heavier with a larger wetted surface creating more drag(improving tracking and wake though). I would only consider a 190/197 with PowerSlot and/or higher output motor.